[ Why does that matter? This concern over something like feeling alone—Berkut finds it difficult to wrap his head around it. ]

My station demands it.

[ There isn't a trace of bitterness or resignation there. It's simply the way things are. ]

Do not misunderstand, Shen Qingqiu. It is natural that a great man should find himself without an equal to call a friend. As such, I do not suffer from being alone.

[ He gestures to the space around them. How funny, that this entire conversation started from Shen Qingqiu's demand that he step aside. The teacher is certainly a bold one. ]

This place . . . Chroma is a test; and your offer, a temptation. Now, more than ever, I must not falter.